ISLAND HIDEAWAY AT DHONAKULHI SPA RESORT & MARINA- Maldives

In an archipelago like the Maldives, with 1196 islands in 26 natural Atolls, one surely should be able to find a tiny little hideaway of one’s own, shouldn’t they? The Island Hideaway certainly agrees, and has created a luxury boutique resort on a privately-owned, uninhabited virgin island that guests can call all their own. It’s so remote that not only a 45-minute hopper flight from Male does the trick, for, after you land, a speedboat awaits for the remaining 20 minutes of the journey. You have to really want to get here, but when you do, you’ll understand. The entire island is your own private domain here, surrounded by a shallow waist-deep lagoon with some of the most crystal-clear waters you’ll ever see. Here, nature blends with luxury and privacy…rooms evoke a rustic charm with their custom made handcrafted furniture and magical little architectural touches and colors designed to overwhelm the senses, all purposely set quite far from one another delivering private havens of serenity and peace. If all of that relaxation in the room isn’t enough, don’t fret- there’s a signature Mandara Spa on property, and you know what that means- pure spa luxury in every way possible. Ultra-romantic dining options, butler service, and one of the world’s most stunning beaches complete this circle of absolute perfection. Far, far away… but far from forgettable…

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary one category room upgrade, which you can combine with their fantastic free night offers (7 for 5, 14 for 10!) plus free domestic airport transfers for 2 to the resort. Valid for travel through 21 Dec 2011. Click HERE For more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

BEAU RIVAGE PALACE- Lausanne, Switzerland
The quest for hotel perfection finishes here, at the luxe Beau-Rivage Palace which sits regally upon her throne of 10 acres of private gardens on the banks of crystalline Lake Geneva. The Belle Epoque buildings of this historical luxury hotel are perched beautifully on 10 acres of private gardens that command breathtaking views across the lake and dazzling Alps.

168 richly appointed, impossibly elegant rooms and suites await your arrival so they can begin spoiling you. For extra grand flair, we recommend the spectacular Luxury Executive suites, all creatively designed in unique style. Long serving as a retreat for some of the world's most rich, royal and famous, the hotel is a stunning Swiss gem, and you need not be rich, royal, nor famous to indulge in their outstanding offerings.

The dining on property is perhaps just as awe-inspiring as the views, from the new gastronomic restaurant, "Anne-Sophie Pic au Beau-Rivage Palace" which proudly holds 2 Michelin stars, to the "Café Beau-Rivage" and the refined and stylish sushi restaurant "Miyako Lausanne".

Their signature Cinq Mondes Spa is truly a universe of relaxation unto itself, where guests are invited to discover the beauty rituals from the world over through an array of gorgeous body treatments, pools, fitness facilities, Japanese baths and Hammams. The Beau-Rivage Palace provides the impeccable service including also a special kids program to make each stay truly personalized and unforgettable. http://www.brp.ch/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Special savings & exclusive extras on their Signature Package including 2 nights in a lovely gardenview room at significant savings, bottle of champagne upon arrival, daily buffet breakfast, a gourmet 6-course gastronomic experience in their Michelin-starred restaurant, one 50-minute treatment at their Cinq Mondes Spa, free access to fitness center plus a box of Swiss chocolates and welcome drink upon arrival. For more information, please click HERE. And, as always, be sure & tell everyone The Explorateur sent you!

NB- we've spotted some VERY decent summer fares on Swiss and AA from various US gateways to Geneva...hurry & book now to take advantage of this amazing offer

PALAZZO MAGNANO FERONI- Florence, Italy
Pack your cloak, polish your crown, shine your scepter and get ready to walk proud, with your shoulders held back, master of all you survey. Or, skip these steps and check directly into Palazzo Magnani Feroni if you’re just dying to know what it must have felt like to live like true European nobility. This regal hideaway has served as a luxurious retreat for members of the aristocracy since the 1500’s, and now it awaits your arrival as well- ready to treat you in the same spectacular noble fashion.

Attention to details here- marvelous. Attention to the most minute details- meticulous. Service that makes you feel as though you're a member of elite high society- ridiculous (in an amazing way of course). Breakfast the Palazzo manner means dining in an extravagant hall graced by an incredibly ornate Murano crystal chandelier, evening cocktails here are meant to be sipped in romantically illuminated galleries once home to the most elegant of parties thrown in spectacular, indulgent fashion by the Feroni marquises.

We recommend the Feroni Deluxe Suite for the best possible experience. Featuring it's own en-suite laptop connected to wi-fi and printer, lavish marble bathrooms with fab Bulgari amenities and perhaps the best possible amenity we've ever seen- a Vibro Power machine which is one of the hottest pieces of fitness equipment around designed for slimming, massage and exercise all in one. No visit to the Palazzo Magnani Feroni is complete without enjoying a dinner or nightcap on their unique panoramic terrace, one of the most special yet hidden gems in all of Florence providing amazing views of the entire city. Trust us, it's much better to enjoy Florence as a noble, even if it's only for a few days.
Why treat yourself to this experience? Because saying "I'll be retreating to the Palace tonight" just never gets old. http://www.palazzomagnanoferoni.com/


http://www.palazzomagnanoferoni.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 15% on a 3 night stay or longer in a Palace Suite, plus enjoy a complimentary cocktail at the Palace Bar and continental breakfast served in the Murano Hall. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ARANUI 3- Cruise Vessel-

It's the world's most remote archipelago, and you want to get there. Lucky you, there just happens to be a "freighter to paradise" departing shortly that has a cabin with your name on it. The Aranui 3 is a unique find, a cargo ship-turned-passenger vessel complete with all the cruise ship comforts you could ask for. It's day job is delivering supplies to the Marquesas, but it moonlights as a fabulous mode of transport for guests that are ready to explore this lush, unspoiled South Pacific island paradise.

Board in Papeete, Tahiti - we recommend spending a few days in an overwater bungalow just to prepare, we might suggest Le Taha'a if we can be so bold. Set sail, and your days on the journey will be filled with exotic remote stops, jeep safaris through the mountains, excavations into jungles filled with sacred ritual sites and ubiquitous Peter Brady-style tiki statues (do NOT pick one up and whatever you do, do NOT wear it around your neck, you know what happens)

The culture of the Marquesas is surprisingly fascinating, it's been inspiring writers and composers for decades because of its remote, secluded nature and stunning natural beauty. 15 islands in total, only 6 are inhabited, 4 have airstrips, 2 are accessible by boat, leaving 1 Aranui 3 to serve as a true lifeline to the locals.

Perhaps it's been a lifelong dream, perhaps you were intrigued by the destination by watching Survivor, or perhaps you need to completely disconnect like an unplugged phone- whatever your story may be, this is one of the last remaining idyllic places on earth so hurry now and book for the best deals ever.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book now and enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine in your cabin upon arrival to celebrate the start of the journey. Pair this with any savings package. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ANCIENT SUMMIT- Bespoke cultural itineraries in Peru
There are a million ways to see Peru, but none as unique as Nina Fogelman’s way. Nina is to Peru what a Savile Row tailor is to a suit…crafting the most beautiful, enriching and well-suited itineraries customized to each individual travelers’ needs that fit beautifully. Her company, Ancient Summit, offers a most unique approach to touring Peru- integrating luxury with an unparalleled, in-depth cultural immersion into this ancient and magical culture.

Nina’s status as the ultimate cultural hostess has been achieved from her many years of living in Peru, discovering the country’s multiple dimensions and crafting the itineraries around her own personal experiences that mean the most to her. The thoughtfully planned journeys include a selection of personally chosen accommodations based on each guest’s personality and preference, airport assistance, private ground transportation by skilled drivers, a variety of meals, entrance fees to various attractions and the most authentic tours handled by the most schooled, experienced guides in the country.

Small groups, personalized attention and ever-evolving, always overwhelming authentic experiences. See Peru through Ancient Summit’s eyes…there’s no other way. http://www.ancientsummit.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE - Enjoy a beautiful private Andean music demonstration in the museum of musician and composer, Kike Pinto at the Taki Museum, which contains over 400 varieties of string, woodwind and percussion instruments from all over Peru. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!